BBI International to release U.S., Canada pellet map

BBI International’s Pellet Mill Magazine has completed its 2012 U.S. & Canada Pellet Mill Map, which contains data pertaining to more than 170 fuel pellet production facilities operational, idle, under construction or proposed.

In the U.S., Pellet Mill Magazine editors confirmed the status of 134 pellet plants, four of which are currently idle with a combined capacity of 172,000 tons. Three plants are currently under construction with a combined capacity of 589,000 tons, and thirteen are proposed.

The majority of U.S. fuel pellet mills—73—have an annual production capacity of 50,000 tons or less. About 27 have a capacity between 51,000 and 100,000 tons, and 21 could manufacture more than 100,000 tons. Some plants did not disclose their production capacities.

In Canada, 40 plants confirmed their status, with 120,000 metric tons of capacity currently idle. Four plants are currently under construction with a combined annual capacity of 505,000 metric tons, seven plants are proposed and 29 have confirmed operational status.

The majority of Canadian pellet plants fall in the 51,000-100,000 metric ton bracket. About 12 contain a capacity of up to 50,000 metric tons, 6 up to 150,000 tons, and four could manufacture more than 150,000 metric tons of pellets.

Combining data from both the U.S. and Canada, more than one-third of pellet plants are exporting or have export capabilities.

The map also contains the location of each plant, feedstock data, and specifies which countries and continents are receiving U.S. and Canadian exports. Ports that are being used are plotted on the map, as well.